Sciatica is a common condition that can disrupt everyday life, and often stems from underlying conditions. Knowing what causes sciatica and your treatment options is an important step towards relief.
Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and legs. It happens when a herniated disk or a narrowing in the spine presses on or irritates this nerve.
Most people describe sciatica as a sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot. It can also cause numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.
POSH specialists offer a range of treatments to help patients manage leg pain and sciatica, including both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
Sciatica typically develops when nearby tissue puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Common causes include:
Diagnosing sciatica starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH spine specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:
POSH specialists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver nonsurgical treatments for leg pain and sciatica. Together, these options are designed to ease your symptoms and help you move more comfortably without surgery.
When nonsurgical methods do not provide sufficient relief, a POSH specialist will discuss surgical options, which may include:
